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EL CERRITO (KRON)—The city of El Cerrito has selected its interim police chief as its permanent police chief, according to city officials.

Chief Paul Keith has been the acting police chief since March.

Keith will be appointed Tuesday and formally sworn in next month, officials said.

“I have great confidence in his ability as a law enforcement professional and his skill in building positive relationships with city departments, community stakeholders and neighboring agencies,” City Manager Scott Hanin said of Keith. “He is respected by his fellow officers and the law enforcement community as well as the residents of El Cerrito. He is a tremendous asset to the El Cerrito Police Department and brings a deep passion for serving his community.”

Keith has been on the force for the past 15 years. He has served as police officer, corporal, sergeant, lieutenant and captain.

Keith is also a coach for the Writer Coach Connection within the West Contra Costa County Unified School District and a faculty member at the the Napa Valley College Criminal Justice Training Center.

Keith replaced former Police Chief Sylvia Moir after she got the job as the new police chief in Tempe, Arizona.